I think I have depression and I want to tell my parents but my brother recently got diagnosed so I feel like they would think that I'm just trying to get attention. What do I do?

Do some research and talk to them about any family history of depression. Explain to them how your feeling and how you feel you may also have the same diagnosis. Talk proactively about getting help for yourself and your brother. Focus on the diagnosis and how you are feeling instead of focusing on how your brother got the diagnosis first. Don’t underestimate what depression is. It’s serious and should be spoken about with your parents to seek help or with a professional who can assist. It’s okay if your parents don’t have all the answers. Depression affects all parties involved. Strengthen you knowledge base so you can talk to your parents with confidence. They may learn something new that can help both you and your brother.

Of course, you know your situation better than I ever could. I am unable to know how your parents would truly react or how your brother would respond to the situation, omg advice would most likely be unhelpful in this particular situation. Although I am not able to give you direct advice, I can refer you to multiple resources that are available regarding depression and confrontation. If these are something you are interested in reading and referring to during this time, I can absolutely send you that information! In addition, it is extremely helpful to refer to a professional with these matters. Depression is common, so if that is something you have, don’t feel that you are alone or singled out. As soon as you are able to recognize your emotions, the sooner you can better understand how to deal with them.

Your mental health is just as important as your brother's. It's natural to be worried about being judged, but your parents should be there to support you. If you feel comfortable, find a time to talk to one or both of your parents about how you are feeling. Try to pick a time when the both of you are calm, and frame how you feel around "I" statements (e.g. "I feel like there's no point to getting out of bed in the morning.") It make take more than one discussion for progress to be made, this is okay. Alternatively, if you are able to go to the doctor's on your own, do so. Most doctors are trained in detecting the signs of depression, and may be able to help you be treated. They might also be able to talk to your parents, as a professional to a parent, if need be.

What you can do is first keep a track of the symptoms you experience along with the duration. Calmly confront your parents with it and tell them about how you have been feeling lately and it would be great if you could get checked. Break the news in a calm manner and do not react if their response is negative. Sit with them and explain. Also it is quite normal to experience something that your brother might be diagnosed with as well since everyone is susceptible to something or the other. Its alright to not feel completely well and its very brave to seek help about it. Do tell your parents that its better treated now than to wait till it develops into a clinical stage where only anti-depressants and other sources could be used for help .

I would preface your conversation with something along the lines of "I am not trying to minimize (your brother's name)'s diagnosis, but I am also having a hard time right now. I would really appreciate some support too. I think your parents would appreciate your transparency and honesty and would be happy to support you as well as your brother, As much as you don't want to minimize your brother's diagnosis, not sharing your struggles with your parents is minimizing your own. One of you is not more important than the other so your parents should equally be aware if you are having some challenges.

Talk to your parents! Tell them that you are inspired by your brother to take charge of your health. Depression commonly runs in families as well, so the diagnosis would not be a surprise, and might actually be helpful in treating your issues. Ask your parents to understand that you are going through a tough time, and whatever might be wrong with you, your symptoms are as valid as your brothers' and you would appreciate support. The most important thing is that you are identifying your need for and asking for help. Good luck on your journey!

I can understand your situation. Sometimes you may feel that such illness can arise out of genes. But it is not always the case. It may not be depression. I think it is better to talk with yourself and your family members. They know how to handle the same incase you have such kind of illness. The early you speak the better chances of cure. Are you able to make new friends? talk to them often? Try to create new friends, spend some time with them, which will help you understand yourself better. Try to help others which will make you to grow more as a human.

I don’t think they will think that if you were clear with them. Even tell them that you fear that they might think that but you think that you need to tell them. Also always ask about your brother and try to help him and let them help him as well. I am sure they will not judge you and will understand you as long as you will be clear with them and honest. Just tell them that you need to see a doctor as soon as possible to help you over come it and don’t be dramatic you will be okay anyway I am sure. Good luck hun

Depression is a mental health condition in which an individual experiences significant levels of sadness, loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, feelings of guilt, loss of sleep, low sex drive as well as isolation from friends and family. In extreme cases depression can contribute to suicidal thoughts. I can really hear you feel a mixture of hesitancy and willingness to tell your parents that you have depression because your brother recently got diagnosed and fear how they would perceive you opening up about your diagnosis. You may want to think about how you would feel if you do tell them about your diagnosis versus how you would feel if you do not tell them about your diagnosis. I have experienced a similar situation where I was fortunate to have someone convince me to inform my parents otherwise I would be suffering from the inside. Sharing a diagnosis can likely help whilst not sharing can cause you to feel isolated as your diagnosis is unknown and your brothers diagnosis is known by your parents. If unsure about where you stand about disclosing your diagnosis please reflect on how you would feel if a family member was hiding a diagnosis from you or how you would feel if they open up about their diagnosis with you. To open up takes trust and self-acceptance of what you are going through. To express vulnerability and reach out for help is not a weakness. I urge you to take your time and know that this is not an easy subject to speak about. You can receive anonymous support on our site from any listener or therapist who specializes or has lived experience with depression to discuss your thoughts and feelings. There is also access to self-help guides and mindfulness exercises on our site with whatever you are going through. Communities are also available to join for depression as I can understand people can feel more relieved that they are not the only one going through that particular thought, feeling or emotion. I wish you the best of luck!

This can be a difficult thing to come forward about, especially since you're worried they may think you're doing it for attention. Speaking from personal experience (all circumstances are different so this may not work in your situation) I would talk to your brother about how you're feeling. Since he experiences this as well he should have your back and be your primary source of support when preparing yourself to talk to your parents. This may be a difficult conversation to have, so don't be afraid to ask for additional support. The most important thing to remember is that YOUR FEELINGS ARE COMPLETELY VALID. Your experiences with depression are not the same as your brothers and should be treated separately. You are important and deserve all the support in the world. Don't be afraid to make your struggles known to your caretakers/family members if that's what you need.